Shine a Light on Diabetes and Mental Health

Individuals with diabetes are at increased risk for anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.¹

Additionally, diabetes can lead to mental health issues related to diabetes distress.² Mental health issues may be barriers to diabetes self-management and may increase the risk for long- and short-term diabetes complications.¹

Despite the profound impact mental health issues can have on diabetes care, only about one-third of individuals with diabetes are diagnosed and treated.¹ Without appropriate, timely identification and management of comorbid mental health issues, the patient’s health and financial well-being can be significantly affected. Substantial cost to the health care system can also occur.

Anxiety

The lifetime prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder in individuals with diabetes is approximately 20%.³ Disease complications and progression, failing to meet glucose goals, fear of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, hypoglycemia unawareness, and insulin administration are commonly reported concerns.^4,5 Preexisting fears of needles and blood may be heightened with a diabetes diagnosis and may lead to severe anxiety or panic disorders.¹ Additionally, individuals exhibiting excessive diabetes self-management behaviors may have obsessive-compulsive disorder.⁶

Fear of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia unawareness may compel some patients to purposefully maintain blood glucose levels above goals. Parents of children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may also encourage this practice because of the same fear.¹ Furthermore, symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as heart palpitations, sweating, and tremors, can mimic symptoms of anxiety disorders, making it difficult for people with anxiety and diabetes to discern the difference.

Depression

Having type 2 diabetes (T2D) increases the risk of developing major depression disorder (MDD) and having MDD increases the risk for developing type 2 diabetes, which suggests they may have a bidirectional relationship.¹ Antidepressants and psychotherapy for depression treatment in individuals with diabetes have shown minimal effects on glycemic management and moderate effects on depression. The collaborative care model, a primary care model integrating behavioral health and general medicine, has shown significant positive effects on both depression and glycemic management.^1,7

Eating Disorders

Women with T1D have a 2-fold increased risk for eating disorders.¹ Eating disorders, such as binge eating and caloric purging with insulin restriction, can be seen in 31% to 40% of women aged 15 to 30 years who have diabetes.^1,8 Comorbid diabetes and eating disorders increase the risk for poor glycemic management, hospitalizations, neuropathy, retinopathy, and premature death.¹

Diabetes Distress

Diabetes distress is significant psychological stress resulting from the emotional burden of managing the chronic, progressive disease without any “vacation days.”^1,9 Over any 18-month period, approximately 38% to 48% of individuals with diabetes have diabetes distress.¹⁰ High levels of diabetes distress can negatively affect diabetes management and quality of life, leading to poor dietary and exercise behaviors and medication adherence as well as declining glycemic management.^9,10 Mindful cognitive behavioral and social problem-solving approaches and self-compassion programs have been shown to decrease diabetes distress.¹¹

Side Note

Metabolic surgery recipients may be at an increased risk of anxiety, depression, developing or worsening substance abuse, and suicide ideation. Clinicians and patients should address significant underlying mental health conditions before considering surgery.^12-14 Following metabolic surgery, the clinical team should assess recipients’ mental health regularly.¹⁴

Issues in Children

Profound developmental changes occur during the transition from childhood to adolescence and adulthood. Managing diabetes during this dynamic period can be challenging. Premature responsibility transfer from caregiver to child can result in suboptimal diabetes management and burnout.¹⁵ Routine assessment of diabetes distress, psychosocial issues, and social determinants in patients and caregivers is necessary.

Conclusion

The pharmacist can play an active role in diabetes and mental health management (Table 1^7,9,12,15-18). Appropriate screening tools can help identify those with or at increased risk for anxiety, depression diabetes distress, eating disorders, and diabetes distress (Table 2^16,19-21). With timely intervention, pharmacists can positively affect diabetes and mental health outcomes.

About The Authors

Maria S. Charbonneau, PharmD, is a clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Camille C. Charbonneau, PharmD, BCPS, CDOE, CVDOE, is a clinical pharmacist at CharterCARE Provider Group in Johnston, Rhode Island.

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